Executive Director 

Job Description

Department: Grand Council of the Crees

Location: To Be Determined 

Salary Grade: Executive Salary Scale

Status: Permanent 

Core Functions 

As the Chief Administration Officer and most senior public servant of the Cree Nation, the Executive Director is responsible for the effective and efficient management of the Cree Nation Government. The incumbent is responsible for the successful leadership, overall management, and operations of the organization according to the strategic direction and policies established by the Board/Council, as well as monitoring developments affecting Cree interests and positions in all ongoing negotiations, legal proceedings, and representations. In addition to directing the Grand Council/Cree Nation Government efforts in Federal and Quebec liaisons, the incumbent acts as Chair of the CNG Management Committee. 

Functional Responsibilities 

• Reporting directly to the Council Board and collaborating closely with the Grand Chief and Deputy Grand Chief on defined items, the Executive Director is responsible to engage, support and assist the GCC(EI)/CNG in the implementation of its vision, priorities, and transformation strategies. 

(GCC (EI)) Responsibilities 

• Prepare and supervise the preparation of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) (GCC (EI)) Cree Nation Government (CNG) policy and position proposals. 
• Provide the GCC (EI) Board and Officers with thorough analyses of threats and opportunities in national and provincial environments and input action recommendations into overall GCC (EI) planning and decision-making. 
• Monitor developments in the national political scene and advise Officers of new initiatives to promote a consistent and continuous Cree political presence. 
• Work in close collaboration with the Grand Chief and Deputy Grand Chief in setting realistic timetables for political and legal activities. 

• Oversee all political and legal initiatives established by the Board/Council and for monitoring developments affecting Cree interests and positions in all ongoing negotiations, legal proceedings, and representations. 

• Manage all activities that support Cree positions and for progressing projects concerning new claims and rights issues. 
• Direct the research staff to produce clear, logical, and concise draft position papers with complete and timely supporting information for negotiation purposes. 
• Conduct joint planning and information sessions with local representatives to define clear local mandates and work with the CNG Directors to include experience in GCC (EI) positions. 
• On occasion, represent established Cree positions at meetings with external entities and or government and or governmental organizations. 
• Report regularly and accurately to Executive Committee and Board Council as a non-voting member regarding progress on all projects and the implementation of Board/Council mandates. 
• Carry out special mandates for the Board and Officers, achieving results on time and within allocated budget. 
• Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization’s people (clients, staff, management, etc.), finances, and image and implement measures to control risks. 
• Review and direct the work of contracted professional legal and consulting services. 
• Ensure accurate and thorough documentation of liaison and research operations and project activities. 
• Consult effectively and quickly with community leaders to identify and document problems requiring regional political or legal action. 
• Maintain cooperative relations with higher administrative officials of various sources of information and support, such as other Cree entities, Indigenous organizations, political representatives, media, and governmental bodies. 

Leadership Responsibilities 

• The Executive Director is also responsible for the Cree Nation Government’s achievement of its mission and organizational objectives. 
• Provide dynamic leadership and sound management practices to immediate reports and others within the team. 
• Develop long-range strategic goals and objectives in collaboration with direct reports and ensure that performance is aligned with team and individual objectives. Ensure that managers and/or supervisors within team are establishing objectives that are in alignment with organizational/departmental objectives. 
• Oversee all talent management and development strategies, including employee engagement, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, succession planning as well as training and development. 
• Conduct periodic performance evaluations for direct reports and assist managers and/or supervisors with performance evaluations. 
• Promote ongoing, effective, and open communication with all staff to facilitate positive working relationships. Keep employees informed of decisions that impact them and/or their department. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills in area(s) of responsibility. 
• Perform other duties as required. 

Qualifications: 

Education 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Political Sciences, Public Administration, Management, or related field. 

Experience 

• Eight to twelve years of experience within a not-for-profit organization in a leadership position. 
• Several years of working experience in the James Bay Cree environment with a practical understanding of the legislation, governmental relationships, and status of various rights negotiations and proceedings. 
• A period of residence in one of the Cree communities with a deep appreciation of the concerns and customs of the Cree people. 
• Extensive experience in public affairs to be creative in developing and presenting Cree positions and interests and in forming strategies for gaining political objectives. 
• Experience in leading teams of diverse backgrounds and performance management supporting employee professional growth. 
• Experience in negotiating and working with and/or coordinating negotiating research teams. 
• Experience in a policy-development role. 
• Experience in project management, reading and writing reports. 
• Experience in managing a budget. 

Language 

• Fluency in verbal Cree. 
• Fluency in English. 
• Fluency in French. 

Knowledge and Key Competencies 

• Strong leadership qualities, ability to manage and inspire different personalities as well as manage staff in remote locations. 
• Capacity to innovate, think strategically, envision and articulate future directions while being sensitive to current challenges. 
• An open, approachable communicator with superior interpersonal skills and the ability to influence through personal credibility, as well as through the authority of the position. 
• Strong public speaking ability, including the ability to facilitate effectively. 
• Proven success in negotiation and demonstrating strong judgment in complex situations. 
• Proven ability to be discreet and maintain confidentiality. 
• High attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities. 
• Engaged problem solver that is solutions oriented. 
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, maintain a calm demeanor under significant pressure and ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment. 

Additional Requirements 

• Typical office setting where there are no unusual physical demands. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products. 

The Cree Nation Government may, at its discretion, waive any or all of the aforementioned requirements if a suitable candidate who is a JBNQA beneficiary accepts to follow a training plan determined by the Cree Nation Government as a condition of employment.

Application Period 

From December 1, 2021 to January 8, 2022 

Application 

Your application must be sent by email or fax with the competition number: GCC-211201-1 

Valerie Mianscum 

Recruitment Specialist 

Email: hr@cngov.ca 

Tel.: 819-673-2600